Support Women to #changedestiny and Live without Shame

When I am at any type of family gathering there’s always that one person who asks “So, when are you getting married?”. Honestly, marriage has rarely crossed my mind and it’s not something I’m willing to just jump into. Normally I’ll respond with a polite smile and something along the lines of “Whenever I meet Mr. Right.”, and that would be that.

There are many Chinese cultures that believe it is shameful for a woman in her mid-twenties to remain unwed. There is a word used to describe these women, Sheng Nu, which literally translates to the leftover woman. The amount of shame and harsh treatment directed toward these women is appalling. In fact, many families take to the Marriage Market to find the young woman a suitable husband… without her input.

At the marriage market families compare, post, and match personal ads. These ads list the height, weight, salary, values and personality of their sons and daughters. Love (or even like) isn’t a factor in these decisions and due to many Chinese cultures, the women have little to no say in who their family chooses for them to marry.

International Prestige Skincare Brand SK-ll, launched #changedestiny – an ongoing global campaign to inspire and empower women to shape their own destiny. Throughout the campaign, they are sharing real stories of courageous women who are taking a stance against their obstacles and pushing towards their dreams.

SK-ll is now premiering the film ”Marriage Market”, putting a spotlight on the real-life issue of Chinese women being pressured to get married before they turn 27. In it, a number of brave Chinese women have daringly chosen to speak their mind about one of the most controversial subjects in recent Chinese history, the ”Sheng Nu” label.

SK-II is taking a positive approach in helping these women face the pressure and the film shows the marriage market in Shanghai’s People’s Park being taken over. A huge and beautiful installation was made with SK-II’s own ”marriage ads” that were in fact not ads but messages from hundreds of independent women, stating that they want to be in control of their own destiny. By doing so, a platform was created from where the women could voice their thoughts.

I am happy to support these women and hope you will too! As women it is United we stand, Divided we fall. Follow along with the #changedestiny hashtag and tweet your support and encouragement!